Every guy in the room knows that when the itch comes, they’ve got to scratch. There’s just no way of resisting it. The only solution to itchy balls is to cure the problem or prevent it from ever happening.

Perhaps if men wore loose clothing such as kilts, we’d have less of this problem. You’ll agree with this thought once we go through the most common causes of itching in the family jewels. The sensation of scratching an itch is classified as both a pain and a pleasure. That’s why scratching your scrotum can be so alluring; some men literally live with their hands in their pants. That’s not exactly hygienic, especially if we have to shake hands as well.

The issue of itchy scrotum is more than just about common decency or public health. Sometimes, itchy testicles are a sign of something worse.

Read on to find out the three most common reasons for your itchy scrotum and their remedies.

Shaving gives your male genitalia a temporary smooth feel and look. However, for many men, it may result in intense itching. Red bumps and other symptoms may crop up after shaving this sensitive area.

There are various causes of itchy scrotum after shaving. Here are a few of them:

A Dull or Used Razor:

An ordinary razor doesn’t remove all the hair. Instead, it just cuts it off close to where it grows. Your hair follicles continue growing hair under your skin. Shaving irritates these follicles, causing an itchy feeling after you shave.

Moreover, the pull of a razor—especially a used or dull one—can redirect or twist hair follicles when you shave. This may result in in-grown hairs, an effect that is known as razor burn.

Your balls are particularly prone to getting razor-burned and developing an itchy feeling because it’s a very sensitive area. Moreover, the hair on the balls is typically thicker, making it uncomfortable when it’s growing back.

To prevent razor burn, you could benefit from modern technology trimmers that provide a close trim without tugging or snagging on your skin. Using an electric trimmer and regularly swapping the blades as they get dull would also prevent any possible infections you could contract via old-school razor blades.

If you suffer from an uncomfortably itchy scrotum, here are some ideas on how you can treat it at home.

Before you shave your balls, it helps to trim all the hairs longer than half an inch. You can use a hand mirror so you don’t miss those hard-to-see places. Be sure to use a trimmer specifically designed for sensitive areas like your balls.

Avoid shaving your pubic area when the skin is too dry. Take a hot shower and let your balls soak in the water, this gives your skin more moisture and opens your pores, making hairs easy to shave.

You probably agree that the genital area is among the most sensitive areas of your body. That’s why shaving your balls using ordinary razors won’t guarantee excellent results. Your best bet would be electric shavers designed specifically for balls.

Be sure to use a hair conditioner, hair oil or shaving cream before shaving your balls. It should be specifically formulated for sensitive skin. You want to avoid using bar soap or shower gel lather on the hair you want to shave.

Our personal recommendation is to use Oliver’s Everywhere Oil before and after trimming for smooth sailing all day long. A carefully concocted blend of natural oils, Oliver’s Everywhere Oil creates a lasting moisture shield for all-day protection from odorousness and chafing. 

It's a nourishing, soothing after-trim treat for hair and follicles, and your go-to solution for the maintenance of your crown jewels.

It’s good practice to stretch your scrotum taut and ensure you shave in the direction your hair grows. Take your time and ensure you shave correctly, this’ll give you a more extended period between shaves and reduce the chances of itching and discomfort.

After you’re done shaving your balls, use a cooling gel to soothe your skin. Choose an after-shave lotion specially formulated for balls and other intimate areas.

Most infections on the balls and groin areas are caused by fungi that thrive in damp and hot regions.

Fungal infections are caused by poor hygiene. They’re most common in men who don’t take a bath right after intense exercise. Those who wear underwear made from synthetic fabrics that don’t allow the skin to breathe aren’t spared either. 

What are some of the most common fungal infections on your balls?

Jock Itch is a rash that occurs in your genital area, including your balls. What are the causes of this skin infection?

• Tight clothing
• Humidity
• Heat
• Moist skin folds due to excessive sweating or obesity

Causes of Jock Itch

Numerous microorganisms have been found to cause this condition.

Tinea cruris may also be non-infectious and induced by physical and environmental factors that irritate your skin or allergic reactions.

Men are more likely to develop the itch than women since male genitals are more prone to friction and humidity. Women may develop it underneath their breasts.

Generally, the condition is mainly caused by noninfected skin affected by heat, humidity, and friction. 

How to Treat Jock Itch

Jock itch can last for months if you don’t treat it. However, antifungal medicines—usually available in sprays, powders, and creams—can clear it in a few weeks. Be sure to keep the infected area dry and clean. You may also take the following steps for faster healing:

1. Wash your genital area and then dry it using a clean towel
2. Don’t use the same towel for the rest of your body
3. After reading the label, apply the medicines as directed
4. Use the medication as per the recommendations to stop the infection from coming back

With good habits, you can significantly lower your risk of developing jock itch. Here are five practices that can help keep the medical condition at bay.

Thrush is a fungal infection that affects both men and women. It’s caused by Candida yeasts, especially one known as Candida albicans. Other names used to refer to thrush include:

• Yeast infection
• Candidal balanitis
• Candidiasis
• Candida

Below are some appropriate treatment options for thrush.

• Antifungal Creams - You can treat thrush with over-the-counter creams, especially if you’ve had a yeast infection before. Apply it twice daily or as directed by your doctor.
• Corticosteroid Creams - Using corticosteroid creams alongside antifungal ones may help with the swelling and itchiness. However, be sure to consult your doctor before using them as some may worsen yeast infections such as thrush.
• Clotrimazole - Clotrimazole is a popular cream that can treat yeast infections in men, especially those that don’t involve the penis.

Pubic lice feed on your blood, causing an intense itch on and around your testicles. Their tiny bites are uncomfortable and itchy. You may notice their eggs growing near the roots of your pubic hairs. You might also see the greyish lice crawling around the area.

Crabs are sexually transmitted and spread during intercourse with an infected partner. Although less often, they can spread through shared towels and clothes. You can treat pubic lice using special creams or shampoos. 

For best results, you can follow the following steps:

1. Check for Lice - Inspect your balls and other hairy parts for pubic lice. You can then wash your body and dry it.
2. Apply Cream or Shampoo - Apply cream or shampoo on the affected area, and any other places you feel may harbor crabs.
3. Leave Cream or Shampoo On - Leave the cream or shampoo on as recommended in the instructions manual before rinsing it off.
4. Remove Nits - The next step involves removing nits from your hair strands using a fine-toothed comb or your fingers. You may want to put on clean clothes and underwear after this treatment.
5. Clean Towels, Linens, and Clothes - Use hot washer and dryer cycles to clean your towels, bed linens, and clothes. The heat will help destroy the lice. If you have any items that you can’t wash immediately, you can dry-clean them or place them in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
6. Avoid Insecticides - Don’t spray insecticides on your clothes or any other objects in the house as they can be harmful, yet they can’t control genital crabs.
7. Pause Your Sex Life - Consider pausing your sex life until you get rid of the crabs, a period of about two weeks is recommended.
8. Repeat the Treatment - If the crabs don’t go away in ten days, you may repeat this treatment.

How to Prevent Pubic Lice

The surest way to prevent genital crabs is to avoid direct skin contact with an infected person. However, you can take a few steps to lower your risk and prevent them from coming back.

• Limit Your Sex Partners - To reduce the risk of any form of sexually transmitted infection, you should have very few sex partners. Similarly, avoid sexual contact with people who have many sex partners.
• Have Your Partner Treated - If you’ve had pubic lice before, ensure your partner also gets treated.
• Clean and Dry Clothing - Be sure to wash and dry your towels, bedding, and clothing at all times.
• Finish Your Treatment - Be sure to finish your treatment and check that the lice are gone before you resume sex.

Itchy balls shouldn’t be taken lightly as it could be a sign of something worse. If you notice an itchy rash down there, do an inspection before you seek proper treatment.

Shaving your balls using a shaver specifically designed for sensitive areas will make your inspection process easier. The hair oil and soap that you use should also be specifically formulated for balls.